Wednesday, 26 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 289-308

Student Support Schemes

Ceisteanna (289)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

289. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the Institute of Technology, Tallaght to reject all recent child care tenders and advertise again and that this will inevitably mean no child care on the campus for the immediate future; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this will impact on parents who are students in the college (details supplied); and if he will write to the college outlining his concerns. [35345/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The principle support provided by my Department in financial terms is the student grant scheme, which makes available means-tested financial assistance to students in further and higher education. The student grant scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students on full-time courses who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.

I can confirm that persons in receipt of One Parent Family Payments may be eligible for the special rate of maintenance grant provided they meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

In addition, for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme, persons in receipt of One Parent Family Payments (Means Tested), where paid to the applicant, are classified as an “income disregard” and these payments are not included in calculating reckonable income.

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. The SAF is open to full-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.  

Higher education institutions such as Tallaght Institute of Technology are autonomous bodies and are responsible for the day to day operations of the Institute including the provision of services for its students and for the procurement of goods and services.

However, my Department has been advised that the Institute intends to undertake this procurement process again on 15th August 2017 and that as an interim measure it will continue to financially support qualifying students, by contributing to the cost of childcare in statutorily approved crèche facilities/ and /or child-minders registered and approved by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Details on the qualifying criteria and the application process will be published on 23rd July 2017 at http://www.it-tallaght.ie/childcare.

Student Support Schemes

Ceisteanna (290)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

290. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way the Institute of Technology Tallaght will now support young parents to access third level programmes in view of the closure of its on-site purpose built crèche (details supplied). [35348/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The principle support provided by my Department, in financial terms, is the student grant scheme, which makes available means-tested financial assistance to students in further and higher education. The student grant scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students on full-time courses who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.

I can confirm that persons in receipt of One Parent Family Payments may be eligible for the special rate of maintenance grant provided they meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

In addition, for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme, persons in receipt of One Parent Family Payments (Means Tested), where paid to the applicant, are classified as an “income disregard” and these payments are not included in calculating reckonable income.

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. The SAF is open to full-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.  

Higher education institutions, such as the Institute in question, are autonomous bodies and are responsible for the day to day operations of the Institute including the provision of services for its students and for the procurement of goods and services. 

However, my Department has been advised that the Institute intends to undertake this procurement process again on 15 August 2017 and that as an interim measure it will continue to financially support qualifying students by contributing to the cost of childcare in statutorily approved crèche facilities/and/or child-minders registered and approved by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Details on the qualifying criteria and the application process will be published on 23 July 2017 at http://www.it-tallaght.ie/childcare.

Higher Education Authority

Ceisteanna (291)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

291. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if all the current members of the Higher Education Authority are ordinarily resident within the State. [35371/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Higher Education Authority Board currently comprises a Chairperson and 12 ordinary members. I can advise the Deputy that all the current members of the Board are ordinarily resident within the State with the exception of four members, two of whom reside in the United Kingdom and two who reside in the United States of America. The international perspective brought by these members benefits the operation of the Board. Minister Bruton is keen to ensure that international best practice is at the heart of the Higher Education Authority's activities. It is important to point out that one of the four individuals referenced was first appointed to the HEA Board by then Minister Quinn in 2012.

Dr. Judith Eaton currently resides in the USA and was first appointed to the HEA Board on 27 July 2016. Dr Eaton has been president of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) since 1997. CHEA is a nongovernmental institutional membership organization of degree-granting colleges and universities that provides national coordination of institutional and programmatic accreditation throughout the United States. CHEA, through its International Quality Group, also engages international quality issues and challenges, working with colleagues in quality assurance and higher education around the world. Dr. Eaton has also served as a college president and state chancellor and writes widely on higher education, accreditation and quality assurance.

Dr. Sinéad O’Flanagan currently resides in the USA and was first appointed to the HEA Board on 27 July 2016. Dr O’Flanagan combines her academic expertise and corporate experience in her work on leadership practices and education. Her current research work explores how leaders learn in settings where disruption and uncertainty prevail. She uses her expertise in systems-thinking and experiential-based learning, partnering with public and private organisations, NGOs and city governments worldwide to design leadership fieldwork projects and internships. Previously based in Silicon Valley, CA., and London, UK, Dr. O’Flanagan held executive management positions and worked as a consultant in guiding companies through major organisational change and restructuring initiatives.

Mr Bahram Bekhradnia currently resides in the UK and was first appointed to the HEA Board on 6 March 2012 and has recently been re-appointed to serve a second 5 year term. Mr Bekhradnia became the first Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute on its creation on 1 November 2002. HEPI is an independent think tank concerned with higher education policy, and has achieved an international reputation for rigorous and objective research and analysis, advising governments in 25 different countries, and international agencies. As a result, HEPI is now one of the most widely referenced and influential independent bodies concerned with higher education policy.

Mr. Pól Ó Móráin currently resides in the UK and was first appointed to the HEA Board on 27 July 2016. Mr Ó Móráin has over 20 years global experience in consulting, management and corporate venturing. He is Deputy Chair of the International Advisory Board at the University of Bradford Faculty of Management and Law; Private Sector Member of the Irish Government’s Export Trade Council since 2011 (Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade); and Board Member of the Irish International Business Network (IIBN).

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Ceisteanna (292)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

292. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given to graduating payments of adjacent and non-adjacent grants in 5 km or 10 km increments, such that a student living 46 km from their college and in receipt of a special rate of maintenance grant does not face receiving a grant that is €3,540 less than a student living 2 km closer to the college. [35432/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The student maintenance grant is a contribution towards the living costs of a student. It is not intended to cover the full costs of attending college. The student grant scheme does, however, provide for different levels of maintenance support, depending on means. Grants are also provided at adjacent and non-adjacent rates. The higher non-adjacent rates are intended to provide additional support to those students who may be living away from home.

Budget 2011 provided for a number of student grant measures which came into effect for the 2011/12 academic year, including the change in the assessment of the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant from 24 kilometres to 45 kilometres.

The 24km distance criterion was originally set in 1968 and had not been updated in more than 40 years. Since then, significant improvements have taken place in the road and rail network and it is considered that the revised distance criteria is more consistent with the type of distances that students may legitimately be expected to commute to college.

The current qualifying distance of 45km for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant takes into account a reasonable radius within which students may commute on a daily basis.

Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

Water Services Data

Ceisteanna (293, 294)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

293. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for the emergency works scheme that have been made relating to the provision of drinking water in each of the past five years; if his Department collects this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35439/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

294. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times school authorities have contacted his Department regarding the provision of drinking water in each of the past five years; if his Department collects this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35440/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.

As the Deputy is aware, applications for funding to address drinking water issues in schools are made under my Department's Emergency Works Grant Scheme.  This Scheme addresses numerous different emergency type situations that arise with school buildings.  Due to the volume of applications received, the variety of reasons for them and the need for a quick turnaround, my Department does not categorise the applications received.  In the circumstances, the information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The provision of drinking water, as with all Health and Safety issues in a school, is a matter for school authorities in the first instance.  If a school authority has concerns about the quality of the drinking water on its premises, it should consult with its local authority and/or Irish Water for advice.  The school may also arrange for the water to be tested.  If any problems are identified through testing, or indeed, if there is a drinking water supply issue in a school, the school authority can let my Department know by submitting an Emergency Works Scheme application for funding to address the problems.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (295)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

295. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the results of the 2015 Lifeskills survey will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35441/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to inform the Deputy that I published the 2015 Lifeskills Survey Report last Friday. You may access it via the Department of Education and Skills' website, www.education.ie.

The Lifeskills Survey data provide important information which will help inform priorities, policies and programmes of work into the future. Its findings will help to promote wellbeing in our school, Youthreach and Community Training Centre communities and to support success for learners in their education and life.

The information provided directly by schools highlights to us the vast amount of work, particularly relating to the wellbeing of our young people, that is a normal part of everyday school life. We should acknowledge and affirm each school’s commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment for their young learners.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Ceisteanna (296)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

296. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the new development for a school (details supplied); his plans to visit the school; if so, the date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35450/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will be aware my Department are currently reviewing a revised Stage 2(b) Detailed Design Report for this major building project.

Following receipt of the initial Stage 2(b) submission, my Department authorised the Board of Management to instruct its Design Team to commence the pre-qualification process for the assessment of suitably qualified contractors to which the project can be tendered. This authorisation was granted by my Department in order to expedite the tender process for this project by running the pre-qualification in tandem with the finalisation of Stage 2(b).  The Design Team has informed my Department that it expects to complete its assessment of the pre-qualification submissions shortly and will then submit its report on the shortlist of contractors to my Department.

Upon receipt of this report and completion of the review of the revised 2(b) submission my Department will then revert to the school with a timeframe to proceed to tender and construction stage.

Since my appointment as Minister I have facilitated as many school visits as my schedule can allow for. Any request for me to visit a school should be emailed to: [e-mail].

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (297)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

297. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent by his Department on taxi and-or limousine fares in the past two years to date by year and amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35486/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department's policy for official taxi usage is to ensure the efficient and effective use of this resource and to ensure costs are kept to a minimum. In line with the Public Service Circular 11/1982: Travelling and Subsistence Regulations, all official travel must be by the shortest practicable routes and by the cheapest practicable mode of conveyance.

Taxi usage by Department officials is acceptable only when there is an unavoidable business need and are used in circumstances where public transport is not available or feasible.

The figures on the following table include taxi usage for official purposes in Ireland and abroad.

Year	Total
-	€
2015 (1 July - 31 Dec)	€10,981.91
2016	€20,305.14
2017 (1 Jan - 30 June)	€12,361.24

Please note expenditure figures shown in the table are in respect of all staff in the Department of Education & Skills including Ministerial posts and field officers in the Inspectorate and the National Educational Psychologist Service (NEPS). In addition the expenditure figures are in respect of payments made within each year as shown which may also include payments relating to a previous year.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (298)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

298. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the progression of works at a school (details supplied); if a timeline for works has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35568/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Stage 2(b) Detailed Design Report was recently submitted to my Department by the Board of Management and its Design Team. Following receipt of that submission, my Department authorised the Board of Management to instruct its Design Team to commence the pre-qualification process for the assessment of suitably qualified contractors to which the project can be tendered. This authorisation was granted by my Department in order to expedite the tender process for this project by running the pre-qualification in tandem with the finalisation of Stage 2(b). The Design Team has commenced this process and the closing date for the e-tenders advertisement was the 19th June 2017. The Design Team has informed my Department that it expects to complete its assessment of the pre-qualification submissions in the coming weeks and will then submit its report on the shortlist of contractors to my Department.

Following examination of the Stage 2(b) Report, it became apparent that the submission was incomplete and some additional items which should have been included in the original submission, were requested by my Department. A revised submission has been received which is currently under review. Upon completion of the review of the revised 2(b) submission my Department will then revert to the school with a timeframe to proceed to tender and construction stage.

School Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (299)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

299. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date by which the construction of a permanent school building for schools (details supplied) will commence; the date by which the temporary accommodation for two of the schools' classes will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35594/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

A suitable permanent site for the school referred to by the Deputy has been identified and agreement in principle for its acquisition has been reached with the landowner. The Chief State Solicitor's Office, acting on behalf of my Department, is currently progressing the acquisition through the conveyancing stage.

A planning application for further accommodation at the existing temporary site has been submitted to the local authority.  As soon as this accommodation has been installed, the classes temporarily located in another school will move back to the existing site.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (300)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

300. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progression of works at a school (details supplied); if a timeline for the conclusion of works has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35635/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is probably aware, the project to which she refers is being delivered by the local Education and Training Board.  My Department understands from the ETB that the project will be handed over on a phased basis to enable the first pupils to take up occupation for 1 September next.   

The outstanding works will be completed as soon as possible to facilitate a complete hand over of the entire building.

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (301)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

301. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the only national school with places available on 17 July 2017 in Toberburr, a rural school 8 km away, represents a viable offer for families with children already in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35643/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that the existing schools in an area can, between them, cater for the demand in that area. I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department is continuing to monitor the enrolment position in the Swords area closely and is in ongoing contact with the Patrons of the relevant schools.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are 13 primary schools serving the Swords area. I wish to confirm that my Department has been advised by two of these primary schools, Scoil Choilmcille Boys' National School and St Cronan's Junior National School, that they have junior infant places currently available. These schools have also expressed a willingness to offer further junior infant places for September 2017, if necessary. I understand that these schools are less than 3 kilometres from the school referred to in the details supplied.

My Department is aware of the school referred to by the Deputy and, having regard to its location within the school planning area, it is not one of the two schools identified, referred to above, to meet any additional junior infant demand, if required, for the next school year.

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (302)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

302. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that the right of children refused a place in a school (details supplied) to an appropriate education has been met. [35644/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.

Parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of an Educational Training Board (ETB) school to the ETB in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. Further information on the Section 29 appeals process is available on the Department's website www.education.ie.

The Educational Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency (EWS) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The EWS can be contacted at 01-7718500.

I wish to confirm that my Department has been advised by two primary schools in the Swords area, Scoil Choilmcille Boys' National School and St Cronan's Junior National School, that they have junior infant places currently available.  These schools have also expressed a willingness to offer further junior infant places for September 2017, if necessary.  I understand that these schools are less than 3 kilometres from the school referred to in the details supplied.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (303)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

303. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to visit a school (details supplied); the date and timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35674/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Since my appointment as Minister I have facilitated as many school visits as my schedule can allow for. Any request for me to visit a school should be emailed to: [e-mail].

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (304)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

304. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options open to a person (details supplied) who is unable to find a place in any of the Portlaoise primary schools for their seven year old child. [35677/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.

Parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of an Educational Training Board (ETB) school to the ETB in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. Further information on the Section 29 appeals process is available on the Department's website www.education.ie.

The Educational Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency (EWS) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The EWS can be contacted at 01-7718500.

Student Universal Support Ireland Data

Ceisteanna (305)

John Lahart

Ceist:

305. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in receipt of third level grants in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the minimum and maximum grant awarded respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35679/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The data provided in the following table is in respect of students who are awarded a grant from SUSI the centralised grant awarding authority, which was established in 2012.  It does not encompass data relating to the 66 awarding authorities who have continued to process renewal applications on a transistionary basis, as their data is not collated in the format requested by the Deputy.

The following table provides a breakdown of the number of students in receipt of a third level grant for each of the academic years 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 and awarded to date for 2017/18 in the categories requested by the Deputy.

The data in the table has been supplied to my Department by SUSI. 

Academic Year	Minimum Grant	Maximum  Grant	Total number of students in receipt of a Grant
2014/15	€305	€8,915	73,039
2015/16	€305	€8,915	79,738
2016/17	€305	€8,915	78,456
2017/18 to date	€305	€8,915	45,616

*This includes maximum maintenance grant of €5,915 and maximum fee grant of €6,270 which includes €3,000 Student Contribution.

** It is anticipated that approximately 80,000 students will be receipt of a grant for 2017/18.

Student Universal Support Ireland Data

Ceisteanna (306)

John Lahart

Ceist:

306. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in receipt of third level grants for the academic year 2016-2017, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35680/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The following table provides a breakdown of the grant awards for the academic year 2016/17 in the categories requested by the Deputy.  However, approximately 5,500 of these students did not take up the grant for a number of reasons e.g repeating a year and in the majority of cases not take up their college place.

The data provided in the following table is in respect of students who were awarded a grant from SUSI the centralised grant awarding authority.

SUSI Grant Awarded by County 2016

SUSI Grants	2016
Home Address County	Awarded
Carlow	1,286
Cavan	1,779
Clare	2,468
Cork	8,876
Donegal	4,059
Dublin	15,461
Galway	5,330
Kerry	3,387
Kildare	3,318
Kilkenny	1,871
Laois	1,571
Leitrim	843
Limerick	3,808
Longford	864
Louth	2,755
Mayo	3,139
Meath	3,202
Monaghan	1,435
Offaly	1,722
Roscommon	1,511
Sligo	1,492
Tipperary	3,168
Waterford	2,405
Westmeath	1,893
Wexford	3,135
Wicklow	2,181
NONE	1,081
Grand Total	84,040

Student Universal Support Ireland Data

Ceisteanna (307)

John Lahart

Ceist:

307. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in third level education for the academic year 2016-2017, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35681/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table:

County of Origin of ROI Students	2016/17 Enrolments
Carlow	2,615
Cavan	2,657
Clare	5,590
Cork	24,744
Donegal	6,330
Dublin	47,091
Galway	13,950
Kerry	6,587
Kildare	8,960
Kilkenny	4,180
Laois	2,896
Leitrim	1,361
Limerick	8,806
Longford	1,515
Louth	4,965
Mayo	5,690
Meath	7,668
Monaghan	2,387
Offaly	2,983
Roscommon	2,827
Sligo	3,016
Tipperary	6,769
Unknown Ireland	741
Waterford	5,430
Westmeath	3,770
Wexford	5,709
Wicklow	5,807
Total	195,044

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (308)

John Lahart

Ceist:

308. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the labour skills required to facilitate the housing construction programme; the targets set by the Government; if his Department has set goals to achieve these; the number of apprentices engaged in the specific skills sets required to help facilitate the objective of the Government's Rebuilding Ireland programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35682/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Alleviating the housing crisis is a cross-Government priority.  My Department worked closely with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in developing the action plan for Housing and Homelessness, Rebuilding Ireland. 

The apprenticeship system is a major supplier of craft skills to the construction sector. Registrations in the craft trades are rising as the employment and economic situation improves. In 2016 there were 3,742 registrations which represents a significant recovery since the crash. This year the upward trend continues with registrations at the end of June of 2,200 which is almost 40% ahead of the same period in 2016. Annual registrations in the craft trades are predicted to grow to 5,587 over the period to 2020.

SOLAS, through its Skills and Labour Market and Research Unit (SLMRU) and its Apprenticeship Services Unit, regularly conducts forecasts of apprenticeship requirements.  The SLMRU has developed a comprehensive methodology to generate five-year forecasts of apprentice intake for construction trades. The forecasts are revised annually and are due to be updated later this year.  The methodology takes account of output forecasts, in money terms, for various segments of the construction industry, the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) and the relationship between apprentice intake and employment trends in the sectors.

Further Education and Training providers also deliver a range of specific skills programmes for the construction sector outside of the apprenticeship system. SOLAS are engaging with the Education and Training Boards to continue to expand provision in identified areas of skills needs.